Location: Cleveland, OH•In-State Tuition: $3,736•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,736
Median Earnings (1yr)
$45,238
77th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$17,629
33% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.39 ManageableSample: 23 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Cuyahoga Community College's Information Science associate's program outperforms most competitors despite a limited sample size, with first-year earnings of $45,238 placing it well above both Ohio's median ($37,961) and the national average ($38,906). Within Ohio's eight programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile—solidly middle of the pack statewide, but notably ahead of the typical graduate nationwide.

The financial equation looks favorable here. At $17,629, the debt load sits below average nationally and remains manageable at just 39% of first-year earnings. More importantly, graduates see meaningful income growth, with earnings jumping 20% to $54,104 by year four. That's a trajectory suggesting the associate's degree opens doors to advancement rather than leaving graduates stuck at entry level.

The caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more widely than these medians suggest. Still, for families seeking an affordable entry point into IT careers—particularly the 32% of students here receiving Pell grants—this program delivers competitive starting salaries without the debt burden that often comes with four-year degrees. The numbers indicate a legitimate pathway into information technology work, not just a credential.

Where Cuyahoga Community College District Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies associates's programs nationally

Cuyahoga Community College DistrictOther information science/studies programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Cuyahoga Community College District graduates compare to all programs nationally

Cuyahoga Community College District earns $45k — 77th percentile among information science/studies associates programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Cuyahoga Community College District$45,238$54,104+20%
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$37,961$54,073+42%
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College$37,961$54,073+42%
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College$37,961$54,073+42%
Zane State College$29,311$29,406+0%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Information Science/Studies associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Cuyahoga Community College DistrictCleveland$3,736$45,238$54,104$17,6290.39
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$37,961$54,073$13,1250.35
University of Cincinnati-Clermont CollegeBatavia$6,554$37,961$54,073$13,1250.35
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash CollegeBlue Ash$6,992$37,961$54,073$13,1250.35
Zane State CollegeZanesville$5,856$29,311$29,406$7,6680.26
National Median—$38,906—$13,3000.34

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with information science/studies graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

Web Administrators

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Document Management Specialists

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cuyahoga Community College District, approximately 32% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.